GIFT OF GIVING
Tū Māia
Earlier this year, it was very special for Bell Gully to be thanked by a pro bono client in a unique and heartfelt way.
Taonga by Timoti is a pounamu carving studio located in Nelson. Last year, it created a gifting programme - Tū Māia - aiming to ensure that every tamariki in state care in Aotearoa receives a bespoke gift of carved pounamu aroha.
Through the gifting of taonga pounamu, Tū Māia aims to give the gift of visibility and aroha to tamariki in care, so they can stand strong, brave and confident in the knowledge that their taonga is filled and gifted with aroha.
Campbell Pentney assisted with the formation and application for charitable trust status of Tū Māia, which was described by Taonga by Timoti’s founder as “Completely changing the game for us and allowing us to move into doing the mahi we are really passionate about - supporting our tamariki and rangatahi as they journey through life.”
Tū Māia gifted Bell Gully a beautiful pounamu to thank the firm for its mahi. This taonga, which is displayed on the reception desk of our Auckland office, is treasured by the firm. Staff and clients are invited to touch it, hold it and allow
Says Campbell, “The mahi Taonga by Timoti are doing through programme is incredibly meaningful for the tamariki receiving these gifts, which shows they have been seen, heard and loved. As recipients ourselves, we know just how special these pounamu are as a tangible expression of care. We are truly grateful.”
It is estimated there are around 6,000 tamariki in state care, and Tū Māia receives no official funding. Carver and founder Timoti has also been assisted by rangitahi who have left state care and are helping with the carving, other carvers have offered to help, and students from Tai Poutini Polytech on the West Coast are also contributing to the mahi.
If you wish to learn more, or make a donation, click here.
Timoti.nz THE